BattleMaster Community
BattleMaster => Development => Feature Requests => Topic started by: Charles on August 29, 2011, 05:05:02 AM
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I became a Duke a while back and have been disappointed by the lack of things that can be done within the duchy. One would think that the Duke would have a similar effect in the duchy that he ruler does in the realm albeit a smaller effect. I have also thought that holding court would be a beneficial ability of the duke.
I am not certain where to stop with this, but I think it would be very realistic that the duke have powers beyond taxes on the duchy.
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Dukes have plenty of things to do. I feel they actually have more things to do than rulers have. Just counting all the available links under the command tab reveals over 20 things to do!
...How many more things to do would you like? :o
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Or, you could break from Tradition on a few of the islands, and actually roleplay heavily and build your own faction to usurp the Crown.
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Don't forget that Dukes have all the gold, and are extremely difficult to remove from their position. That's the source of ducal power.
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Don't forget that Dukes have all the gold, and are extremely difficult to remove from their position. That's the source of ducal power.
yeah, too much so, IMHO. but that's another topic
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One would think that the Duke would have a similar effect in the duchy that he ruler does in the realm albeit a smaller effect. I have also thought that holding court would be a beneficial ability of the duke.
that is already there: you can appoint Lords to your ducal regions. This way you can reward loyal nobles and build up a power bloc within the realm :)
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Dukes are already way powerful... if you don't think so it's probably through a fault of your own.
And I don't mean to sound like Anaris when I say that.
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"hi, lord. here's your tax bill"
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the other interesting thing that i noticed recently (well.. maybe from a few months ago) is that festivals in cities buffs regions in duchy. or at least the adjacent one within same duchy anyway..
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Festivals were broken for the longest time. Like, from the day they were first added they were broken, and did nothing at all. Tim (Anaris) fixed it several months ago. Probably within the last year.
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Well not all dukes are equal. A duke in charge of a stronghold is nothing more than a guard dog ;)
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at least he doesn't have to cash bonds any more.
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that is already there: you can appoint Lords to your ducal regions. This way you can reward loyal nobles and build up a power bloc within the realm :)
I wish that, as a duke, I could appoint a Steward in one of my regions if it did not already have one. As elections run our food ends up getting lost all too often in war situations.
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Or, you could break from Tradition on a few of the islands, and actually roleplay heavily and build your own faction to usurp the Crown.
In most places, that means losing the duchy.
In most cases, this isn't worth it.
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In most places, that means losing the duchy.
In most cases, this isn't worth it.
I just wonder about those players with characters who have had Rulers or Dukes for real life years and years -- do you guys brag to women in bars about it or something? Is it on your resume?
The way you cling to them and avoid any possibility of losing them, even at the loss of a chance to have a lot of fun and to share that fun with others makes me think it has some some sort of irrational, Real World importance to you.
What's up with that?
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I just wonder about those players with characters who have had Rulers or Dukes for real life years and years -- do you guys brag to women in bars about it or something? Is it on your resume?
The way you cling to them and avoid any possibility of losing them, even at the loss of a chance to have a lot of fun and to share that fun with others makes me think it has some some sort of irrational, Real World importance to you.
What's up with that?
This is quite a good point. Not necessarily directly, but indeed doing "stupid" things would bring a lot more fun to everyone than behaving reasonably, sadly. I say sadly because when you roleplay your char usually you wouldn't like to make him do something you consider stupid or wrong, just for the ooc-perspective of bringing fun, but we would really need more actions like that in bm.
I personally don't think it's just a matter of clinging to power, but more than else a lack of interest in very risky and stupid actions just for the sake of it on the side of those in power.
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The way you cling to them and avoid any possibility of losing them, even at the loss of a chance to have a lot of fun and to share that fun with others makes me think it has some some sort of irrational, Real World importance to you.
Allowing the possibility for others to get a shot a rulership and duchies is one thing. Letting them have it for free is another. I see a lot of people who "cling" to their title in a perfectly IC way, meaning the position is not entirely gridlocked, but their character's actions aim at preserving their power, because if the character got into power in the first place, most likely he's RPed as shrewd politically.
And often, these players are just plain talented at it.
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Allowing the possibility for others to get a shot a rulership and duchies is one thing. Letting them have it for free is another. I see a lot of people who "cling" to their title in a perfectly IC way, meaning the position is not entirely gridlocked, but their character's actions aim at preserving their power, because if the character got into power in the first place, most likely he's RPed as shrewd politically.
And often, these players are just plain talented at it.
It's not a question of doing "stupid" things. It's a question of behaving like a normal, hot-blooded, power-hungry medieval noble, and taking a chance when you see one. Or at least playing the game as if you had some purpose beyond logging in once a day and sending gold home, or whatever it is they do.
The problem with too many of these players is they got their titles simply by getting old.
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The problem with too many of these players is they got their titles simply by getting old.
True
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And often, these players are just plain talented at it.
And at least as often, they're not. They just happened to be friends (IC or OOC) with the people who came to power, and got given the Duke post because the ruler knew they wouldn't betray him.
And note that while making friends with the ruling elite can be savvy politicking, just happening to be friends with them when they come to power is nothing of the sort.
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It's not a question of doing "stupid" things. It's a question of behaving like a normal, hot-blooded, power-hungry medieval noble, and taking a chance when you see one. Or at least playing the game as if you had some purpose beyond logging in once a day and sending gold home, or whatever it is they do.
The problem with too many of these players is they got their titles simply by getting old.
Or... ambitious people realize that if they got lucky enough to become a duke, they are probably better off if they help put an ally in rulership than if they do it themselves? Dukes have the most power, but rulers always get all the blame.
Blame the game for preventing ruler/dukes in 99% of the cases. If that restriction gets lifted, *then* you would see a lot more dukes also seeking rulership. Otherwise, why risk such a powerful position to try to rule a post-rebellion devastated realm?
I just wonder about those players with characters who have had Rulers or Dukes for real life years and years -- do you guys brag to women in bars about it or something? Is it on your resume?
The way you cling to them and avoid any possibility of losing them, even at the loss of a chance to have a lot of fun and to share that fun with others makes me think it has some some sort of irrational, Real World importance to you.
What's up with that?
And you referring to me? Your usage of "you" following a quote of my messages makes it sound like it. I have not had rulers or dukes for years and years. While I got plenty of the other positions before, I only started getting more frequent dukeships this last year or so. As for rulerships, I've had two short experiences with two separate characters in the past (a month or less) and a four-month term one with a third character, 'till I seceded Iato to form Fheuv'n that is and who is now likely to conserve the title for a while.
For those who have been there for a long time, though, I'd say many of them are just too attached to their realm and consider that if they've ruled it to survive and thrive for so long, they must be doing something right, and that if they step down and the wrong person gets it, that person could totally screw up their realm and undo everything they've done. Not malice or greed. Mind you, it's also a risk-averse mentality, so I'm not saying it's something to promote either.
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Or... ambitious people realize that if they got lucky enough to become a duke, they are probably better off if they help put an ally in rulership than if they do it themselves? Dukes have the most power, but rulers always get all the blame.
Blame the game for preventing ruler/dukes in 99% of the cases. If that restriction gets lifted, *then* you would see a lot more dukes also seeking rulership. Otherwise, why risk such a powerful position to try to rule a post-rebellion devastated realm?
And you referring to me? Your usage of "you" following a quote of my messages makes it sound like it. I have not had rulers or dukes for years and years. While I got plenty of the other positions before, I only started getting more frequent dukeships this last year or so. As for rulerships, I've had two short experiences with two separate characters in the past (a month or less) and a four-month term one with a third character, 'till I seceded Iato to form Fheuv'n that is and who is now likely to conserve the title for a while.
For those who have been there for a long time, though, I'd say many of them are just too attached to their realm and consider that if they've ruled it to survive and thrive for so long, they must be doing something right, and that if they step down and the wrong person gets it, that person could totally screw up their realm and undo everything they've done. Not malice or greed. Mind you, it's also a risk-averse mentality, so I'm not saying it's something to promote either.
I said "I just wonder about those players with characters who have had Rulers or Dukes for real life years and years -- do you guys brag to women in bars about it or something? Is it on your resume?"
Why do you think "those players" and "you guys" and "Dukes for years and years" refers to you?
I think you are way off. These are players who got tired of playing years ago, but haven't got the decency to step down and let others get on with the game. Some of them haven't spoken in game in RL years.
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I just wonder about those players with characters who have had Rulers or Dukes for real life years and years -- do you guys brag to women in bars about it or something?
Well, you never know. It might work if you find the right girl (http://rlv.zcache.com/isapi/designall.dll?action=realview&pdt=shirt&pending=false&pid=235079503778206916&rvtype=product&view=front&max_dim=800)...
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The problem with too many of these players is they got their titles simply by getting old.
No, they got it because their character has friends.
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No, they got it because their character has friends.
You can get 'em simply for being old, though. Having the "most days in realm" sure does help with those ducal and rulership elections. That's how my Dwi char went up the ranks, simply by sticking around longer than all those ambitious people who failed.
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"I have served this realm longer than most." is a very popular campaigning argument.
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No one gets a duchy for having the most days in realm. You get the duchy because you have friends, not because your "days in realm" count is higher than anyone else's. Sticking around longer does give you a greater opportunity to be a distinguished member of the realm. And you've had a longer time to make more friends, and to amass more favors that you are owed.
But doesn't that make sense? Isn't it natural for the leaders of the realms to want to give positions to the people they know and trust? It's not like they are going to pick Kepler McNewbie as the new duke when the guy has only been around for a few weeks. (Well, OK, maybe Ohnar West might do that... :P ) And I know that a few times that I have specifically chosen new players to be dukes, that I've been thoroughly bitched out by other players for picking such young characters/players for such an important role. I remember when I gave the Duchy of Perdan to a newer player one of the knights of the region actually threw a hissy fit and quit. (I think this was more of a "last straw" kind of thing from a player losing interest but still, his final message was something like "Giving it to someone not even the duchy, when I'm a knight of the region and have a stronger claim is bull!@#$, I quit")
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"I have served this realm longer than most." is a very popular campaigning argument.
Yes, it is. It's also used by a lot of people who don't get selected, too. If the people voting, or appointing, don't like you, you're not going to get the spot.
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Well, it's not guaranteed to get you the spot every time, but I've seen it work more often than I'd like.
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Did people tell you "I voted for him because he's been in the realm the longest"? Or did someone who claimed that they were in the realm a long time get the spot? I mean, how many times has someone popped up and said "I should be elected because I'll try real hard to get the job done."? If they get elected, does that mean that they were elected because people thought they would try real hard?
I can't help but think that the bast majority of election speeches are all just filler text because the candidate has to write *something* to let people know that they are running. Only in rare cases does an election cause much in the way of real debate that will actually sway anyone's opinions. As far as I've seen, most elections go uncontested to the incumbent if they want it. And those that are challenged are often just a few different people stating they are running, with a brief position statement, and little or no realm-wide debate.
Edit: Apparently a large portion of my message got cut off...
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Well, you never know. It might work if you find the right girl (http://rlv.zcache.com/isapi/designall.dll?action=realview&pdt=shirt&pending=false&pid=235079503778206916&rvtype=product&view=front&max_dim=800)...
I've gotten laid by it before. Granted, it was my girlfriend, and she plays BattleMaster, but every time my characters pull something awesome off it's pretty much guaranteed that she drags me off to the bedroom.
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I wonder what she'd do to you if your antics ever ended up costing her her city, or something :o
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I wonder what she'd do to you if your antics ever ended up costing her her city, or something :o
Well...She thought that getting Talex was the perfect birthday present (both IC and OOC), so if it got lost I think she would be sad. On the other hand, she's pretty close to getting her own realm, so it'll be her responsibility then.
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Did people tell you "I voted for him because he's been in the realm the longest"? Or did someone who claimed that they were in the realm a long time get the spot? I mean, how many times has someone popped up and said "I should be elected because I'll try real hard to get the job done."? If they get elected, does that mean that they were elected because people thought they would try real hard?
I can't hel
Well, when I was a young whippersnapper in BM, I certainly believed that those who had been around the realm the longest were the best qualified to take high-level posts, and I would usually cast my vote for the guy or gal who went 'After all my time here I am the best for the job' without actually checking if they were.
This probably doesn't work if the positions are appointed, though... So if you want to use time in realm as a platform to get a duchy, join a republic or democracy!
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Any time I've ever seen anyone make a campaign based on time in realm, I strike them off my list of potential candidates. If that's the best they can come up with, then I want someone who can at least lie better.
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No one gets a duchy for having the most days in realm. You get the duchy because you have friends, not because your "days in realm" count is higher than anyone else's. Sticking around longer does give you a greater opportunity to be a distinguished member of the realm. And you've had a longer time to make more friends, and to amass more favors that you are owed.
Says you. On Dwilight, I never bothered with the cliques that had formed and imploded over the years. As groups of these ambitious people came and went, I simply went with the flow: aiding the ones in power while their rule was solid, bringing them down when it was obvious they would crumble. Eventually, this led me to have the most days in the realm, as fallen governments exiled themselves (or were exiled).
I never bothered to make myself any form of base of support whatsoever. But with those most days in realm, becoming the duke of Paisly (after rebuilding Paisland myself) and then become both ruler of D'Hara and duke of Paisly required very little on my part, other than a few last-minute deals and campaigning.
Assuming that everyone in power is there because he's at the head of some power-mongering evil clique is just ridiculous. It's quite telling to see what many people think of the BM community on these forums... It would appear that all honest players have gone, and that those who find themselves in positions of power must surely have done something bad for it.
The thing is, when two people present themselves for a position, and you have no prior preference for either and they both offer something similar (or diverge on things you don't really care about), how do you pick which one to vote for? For many people, time in realm is a simple measure of commitment to the realm. "He's been serving here for five years, doesn't he deserve it more than the other guy who's only been here six months and who isn't offering anything more?" It also inspires confidence. After many years, you feel that a certain person is more or less predictable, even if you never really wrote to him. You are more confident in knowing what to expect from him, and for him to continue the culture of your realm since he's been exposed to it longer.
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Any time I've ever seen anyone make a campaign based on time in realm, I strike them off my list of potential candidates. If that's the best they can come up with, then I want someone who can at least lie better.
Well, yes, but you're a veteran and probably one of the most politically savvy people in the game. But new guys are usually much easier to convince.
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Well, yes, but you're a veteran and probably one of the most politically savvy people in the game. But new guys are usually much easier to convince.
It's true. But like with so many things in this game, if you don't like it, then work on changing it. Ripple effects are hard to predict. A couple of Arcaeans chatting on IRC one time decided we didn't like saying "Greater Aenilia" because what was so great about it, anyway? so we started just calling it Aenilia. I can't remember the last time I've seen anyone on the Far East refer to it as Greater Aenilia (though GA is common), not even the Aenilians themselves after one of their Rulers picked up on it to try and ease their reputation for arrogance.